Laboratory Specialist

Sowela; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Virginia Retirement System pension

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Disability insurance

Wellness program

Employee discount program

Job summary

Newport News Waterworks in Newport News, VA, is seeking a Laboratory Specialist to collect and analyze water samples, ensuring drinking water safety and regulatory compliance. This hands-on role involves following EPA and state methods and contributing to public health impact.

You will operate pH meters, spectrophotometers, and other lab instruments, maintain records, and support QA/QC requirements. A science background with 1–2 years of experience and IDC and a valid driver's license are

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or related field with 1–2 years of water sampling/analysis experience.
• Knowledge of chemical and bacteriological analysis and drinking water treatment processes.
• Familiarity with laboratory instruments and safe sample handling.
• Strong data, math and computer skills for recording and analyzing results.
• IDC completion within 90 days of hire per Virginia regulations (12 VAC 30-45-730).
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable record; respirator clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Collect water samples at prescribed locations across the distribution system, treatment plants, and source waters following EPA and VDH methods.
• Perform water analysis including pH, alkalinity, turbidity, solids, chlorine, HPC, E. coli, Legionella, and Enterococcus faecalis.
• Maintain accurate records of sample collection, data analysis, and QA/QC requirements using lab data systems.
• Review data against QA/QC limits to ensure compliance.
• Operate lab instruments such as pH meters, photometers, UV/VIS spectrophotometer, turbidity meter, balance, and conductivity meter.
• May mentor student science projects.

Skills

Water sampling experience

Data recording & QA/QC

Strong math & computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science

Tools

pH meter

UV-Vis spectrophotometer

Turbidimeter

Job description

About this Role

Protect the drinking water of a region of 410,000+, one sample at a time!

Newport News Waterworks, owned and operated by the City of Newport News and serving more than 410,000 people across Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, York County, and part of James City County, is hiring a Laboratory Specialist to collect and analyze water samples that keep our drinking water safe and compliant. If you have a science background and want hands‑on lab work with real public‑health impact, this is a great place to start or grow your career.

Key Responsibilities

What you will do:

• Collect water samples at prescribed locations across the distribution system, water treatment plants, and source waters, following EPA and Virginia Department of Health methods
• Perform water analysis including pH, alkalinity, turbidity, solids, total chlorine, total coliform, E. coli, heterotrophic plate count (HPC), fluoride, Legionella, and Enterococcus faecalis
• Maintain accurate records of sample collection, data analysis, and QA/QC requirements using lab data systems
• Review data against Quality Assurance and Quality Control limits to ensure compliance
• Operate lab instruments such as pH and ISE meters, colorimetric photometers, UV/VIS spectrophotometer, turbidimeter, analytical balance, and conductivity meter
• May mentor student science projects

Qualifications

What you bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field, with 1 to 2 years of experience collecting and analyzing water quality samples (or an equivalent combination of education and experience)
• General knowledge of chemical and bacteriological analysis principles and drinking water treatment processes
• Familiarity with laboratory instruments and safe sample handling
• Strong data, math, and computer skills for recording and analyzing results
• Completion of Initial Documentation of Capabilities (IDC) per Virginia regulations (12 VAC 30-45-730) within 90 days of hire
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable record
• Respirator clearance is required

Benefits

Why Newport News Waterworks ?

Join a recognized regional leader in water service, known for water quality, customer service, financial stewardship, and environmental protection. We back our people with a benefits package built to support you and your family:

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS) pension, plus a Retirement Health Savings Account and an optional Empower 457(b) deferred comp plan
• Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage, with HSA and FSA options and your choice of coverage start date
• Generous paid time off: 19.5 personal days, 9 medical leave days, and 12 paid holidays per year
• Tuition reimbursement and ongoing training
• Life and short and long term disability insurance, plus an Employee Assistance Program and free Calm Premium
• RENEW employee wellness program, fitness center member rates, and an employee discount program
• A clear path to grow, with room to advance in water quality and regulatory compliance and opportunities across 30 plus City departments

For details about employee benefits, please visit: https://www.nnva.gov/498/Benefits